WO2024096752A1 - Harnais de torse de levage par friction et dispositif de manipulation de patient - Google Patents

Harnais de torse de levage par friction et dispositif de manipulation de patient Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024096752A1
WO2024096752A1 PCT/NZ2023/050121 NZ2023050121W WO2024096752A1 WO 2024096752 A1 WO2024096752 A1 WO 2024096752A1 NZ 2023050121 W NZ2023050121 W NZ 2023050121W WO 2024096752 A1 WO2024096752 A1 WO 2024096752A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lift
patient
torso
friction
harness
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2023/050121
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alexander O'KEEFE
Original Assignee
Hapai Transfer Systems Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hapai Transfer Systems Limited filed Critical Hapai Transfer Systems Limited
Publication of WO2024096752A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024096752A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1049—Attachment, suspending or supporting means for patients
    • A61G7/1051—Flexible harnesses or slings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1049—Attachment, suspending or supporting means for patients
    • A61G7/1053—Rigid harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1013—Lifting of patients by
    • A61G7/1015—Cables, chains or cords
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G7/1078—Clamps for flexible harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
    • A61G7/1086—Upper body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/008—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about using suspension devices for supporting the body in an upright walking or standing position, e.g. harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
    • A61G2200/34—Specific positions of the patient sitting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
    • A61G2200/36—Specific positions of the patient standing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/70—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/104—Devices carried or supported by
    • A61G7/1046—Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0103—Constructive details inflatable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/165—Wearable interfaces
    • A61H2201/1652—Harness
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/08—Trunk
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2230/00—Measuring physical parameters of the user
    • A61H2230/80—Weight

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus and methods for patient handling.
  • the present invention relates to patient handling , using a friction-lift torso harness and patient handling device.
  • the patient handling including raising and lowering a seated patient between seated and raised activity positions.
  • US patent no 8,832,874 by Alexander describes various embodiments of a person moving device for moving patients of limited mobility. Although effective in lifting and moving patients, the Alexander embodiments were found to be uncomfortable for certain patients during the raising and lowering processes. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a patient handling device that is capable of raising and lowering a patient between seated and raised positions, where the device provides improved comfort, reduced cost or complexity. It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.
  • the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e., that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other nonspecified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising 1 is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. Disclosure of Invention
  • a 'patient' in some measure requires assistance in being raised from a seated position to a raised activity position, e.g. a standing or movement position.
  • a raised activity position e.g. a standing or movement position.
  • the present invention is particularly, though not exclusively, suited to assisting such a patient together with at least one other person, hereinafter referred to as a 'carer'. It will be appreciated that healthy individuals may also desire or require assistance with being raised or lowered and as such, may utilise the present invention.
  • the present invention relates, in part, to a person-moving device, hereinafter referred to as a 'patient moving device'.
  • patient and carer are not limiting and include, respectively, any person requiring movement assistance and any person assisting with said movement and are not limited, respectively, to formal ly/official ly designated patients or health-care professional.
  • the term 'patient' also includes any person using the present invention, irrespective of their physical heath or mobility status.
  • 'chassis' includes any rolling chassis or any other mobile or static structure, platform, housing, framework, body, monocoque, or movable carriage and track, or other loadbearing configuration.
  • the term 'terrain' includes the earth's surface or any surface overlaying same including, but not limited to, flooring, carpet, roadways, footpaths, lifts and the like.
  • the terms 'person raising, lifting, lowering, moving, transporting, or relocating' and/or 'patient moving, raising, lifting, lowering, moving, transporting, or relocating' should be understood to be encompassed by the terms 'patient (or person) moving', and 'patient (or person) handling', unless explicitly stated to the contrary.
  • the term 'encircling, and 'encirclement' with respect to a torso includes any configuration of an object passing fully about the torso periphery, excluding limbs, and is not restricted to circular, curved, regular, irregular or any other configuration, and includes object portions both in intimate contact with, and portions separate from the torso surface.
  • the term 'activity position' includes a patient raised to any position between a seated position and fully upright. Activities in the activity position, include, but are not limited to transportation, standing, stretching, repositioning, transfer between seating positions, toileting, bathing, medical and/or nursing treatment and the like.
  • the term 'sitting, or seated' includes the position of a patient with an appreciable proportion of their weight being supported by a surface underneath their gluteal region, irrespective of the nature of the surface, the position of the patient's torso and whether the patient also has one or both legs also supporting any portion of the patient's weight; and any position where the patient's torso and/or Centre of Mass (CoM) is in a vertically lower position than in a raised activity position.
  • CoM Centre of Mass
  • the terms 'lift hoist', and 'patient lift hoist' include any mechanism able to reversibly raise and lower a patient, including a patient wearing a friction-lift torso harness.
  • the terms 'lift hoist', and 'patient lift hoist' include any mechanism which includes any mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic drive and/or control means or the like and any combination of same, including fully manually operated lift hoists, power-assisted lift hoists and fully powered lift hoists able to raise and lower the weight of a patient without any human motive assistance.
  • the term 'strand', 'lift strand' and 'tensioning strand' includes any length, wire, fibre, filament, cord, cable, ligament or the like, and is not restricted to any particular method of construction, degree of rigidity or flexibility.
  • the term 'pulley' includes an at least partially curved surface for engagement with a strand and which acts to change the direction of, and/or transmit a force applied to the strand, wherein said curved surface may be fixed, movable and/or rotatable, and includes surfaces of constant and non-constant radius.
  • the term 'pulley system' includes any system including at least one pulley as defined herein.
  • the term 'sheave' is defined as a fixed, or non-rotatable pulley with an at least partially curved surface for engagement with a strand and which acts to change the direction of, and/or transmit a force applied to the strand and includes curved surfaces of constant and nonconstant radius.
  • the term 'spreader bar' includes any structure, element, material or the like and any portion of same, configured as an interface to spread a tension applied at one or more points of the spreader bar, over a larger area, or region via the spreader bar.
  • a patient's 'exterior torso' is defined to include both the external surface of the skin about the patient's torso and any layers of clothing, or other garments worn by the patient about the torso during patient handling. It will be appreciated there may be occasional need for patient handling of a partially or fully unclothed patient. Although the present invention may still be successfully used for patient handling in such situations, the overwhelming majority of use cases involve patients with at least one clothing layer about their torso. Thus, to aid clarity and readability and unless otherwise stated, references to the patient and the patient's torso will be understood to include the presence of one or more clothing layers about the torso unless explicitly stated to the contrary. This does not indicate the invention is any way restricted to same.
  • a desirable interaction between the patient and carer through the use of a patient moving device is a balance of ensuring the patient's physical comfort and safety, whilst efficiently utilising the physical input of the carer without requiring difficult, strenuous or complex inputs.
  • the term 'moving' should be understood to refer to any repositioning or reorientation and includes any linear or rotational movement and any combination of the aforementioned.
  • patient-moving device and a “friction-lift torso harness” also includes such a device configured for use in a fixed or static position, (either temporarily or permanently), and includes lifting a seated person or patient to undertake any desired or required activities before being subsequently lowered into the same seating position.
  • Carers such as family, friends and even trained health care professionals are vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries during patient handling activities. This injury risk is exacerbated if available lifting equipment is complex, slow/difficult to implement and/or otherwise places additional timepressure on busy staff. Protecting the carers from injury during patient handling, whilst ensuring effective patient handling requires the efficient application of the carer's physical strength via simple, controllable, safely constrained movements. Fully-electrically-powered lifting devices remove any direct need for a carer to provide the motive lifting force. However, the motive electrical power must be supplied either by potentially cumbersome cabling and/or stored in heavy battery storage, thus adding complexity and reduced device availability associated with device re-charging.
  • a fully mechanical, or electromechanical (mechanical with electric power assistance) device offers simplicity of operation, immediate availability and high reliability. It can thus be seen that fully electrically powered, electro-mechanical and fully mechanical lifting devices all offer characteristics that may suited to different environments and use-cases.
  • a friction-lift torso harness for patient handling, the patient handling including raising and lowering a seated patient between a seated position and a raised activity position by lifting the friction-lift torso harness with a patient lift hoist, said friction-lift torso harness including a tensioning mechanism, wherein, the friction-lift torso harness is configured to apply a compressive force to the patient's torso between at least two opposing exterior torso portions, during at least part of the raising of a patient wearing the friction-lift torso harness, characterised in that said compressive force is proportional to said patient's weight being contemporaneously applied to the patient lift hoist.
  • a patient-moving device for patient handling, the patient handling including raising and lowering a seated patient between a seated position and a raised activity position, said device including:
  • a friction-lift torso harness including a tensioning mechanism, said friction-lift torso harness configured to apply a compressive force to the patient's torso between at least two opposing exterior torso portions,
  • a friction-lift torso harness for patient handling, the patient handling including raising and lowering a seated patient between a seated position and a raised activity position by lifting the friction-lift torso harness with a patient lift hoist, said friction-lift torso harness including:
  • a tensioning mechanism including at least one tensioning strand
  • the friction-lift torso harness is configured to apply a compressive force, above the patient's hips and to the patient's torso, between at least two opposing exterior torso portions, wherein the compressive force is applied with said tensioning mechanism via the one or more torso-engagement sections, and characterised in that said tensioning mechanism includes a pulley system with at least one rotatable pulley, the at least one tensioning strand passing about said at least one rotatable pulley, and wherein said compressive force applied by the tensioning mechanism is proportional to said patient's weight being contemporaneously applied to the patient lift hoist.
  • said compressive force is applied above the patient's hips to the exterior torso portions of the patient including at least portions between the patient's 5th and 10th ribs.
  • said compressive force is applied substantially orthogonally to the exterior torso portions.
  • said compressive force is applied above the patient's hips solely to the exterior torso portions.
  • no compressive force is applied during lifting through any partial or complete encirclement of any of the patient's limbs by the friction-lift torso harness.
  • a method of operating a patient-moving device said patient moving device including:
  • a friction-lift torso harness including a tensioning mechanism, said friction-lift torso harness configured to apply a compressive force above the patient's hips to the patient's torso between at least two opposing exterior torso portions,
  • said method for patient handling including raising and lowering a seated patient between a seated position and a raised activity position includes the steps of:
  • said method further includes;
  • the tensioning strand may be formed as a continuous strand or from multiple separate individual strands.
  • the friction-lift torso harness above the patient's hips to obviate the necessity to use any limb straps to raise a patient confers further advantages after being fitted to a seated patient, namely: the fitted friction-lift torso harness need only be initially tightened by a carer to a relatively low level whilst the patient is still seated; only once lifting commences does the compressive force applied to the patient start to increase. If lifting is delayed or postponed for any reason, the patient does not need to endure any extended discomfort from wearing a highly pre-tensioned harness. at any instant during lifting, the compressive force applied is proportional to the patient's weight being supported by the friction-lift torso harness at that instant.
  • the progressive rate of increasing compression during lifting is continuously controllable and, if necessary or desired, reversible, by the carer operating the lift hoist.
  • any lifting or lowering the carer is able to receive continuous visual and auditory patient feedback and consultation regarding the patient's status and comfort and adjust the rate or direction of the lift hoist accordingly.
  • allowing any patient able to bear their weight at least partially on their legs to be allowed to do so during the lifting.
  • allowing the compressive force exerted by the friction-lift torso harness to be reduced once the patient reaches an upright activity position, as the proportion of the patient's weight supported by the friction-lift torso harness is commensurately reduced as an increased proportion is supported by the patient's legs.
  • said patient-moving device further includes a chassis.
  • said chassis is a terrain-engaging mobile chassis.
  • said chassis may include at least one carriage, movably coupled to a track, preferably mounted on an elevated structure, ceiling, gantry, terrain-engaging mobile chassis or the like.
  • said patient handling includes moving, and/or transporting a patient in said activity position.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured such that the compressive force is proportional to said patient's weight being contemporaneously applied to the patient lift hoist via said at least one tensioning strand throughout the process of raising the patient.
  • said tensioning mechanism is configured to, in use, reversibly vary tension in said friction-lift torso harness during patient raising or lowering.
  • said tensioning mechanism increases or reduces said friction-lift torso harness tension in use by respectively decreasing and increasing the circumference of said friction-lift torso harness about the patient's exterior torso.
  • the friction-lift torso harness grips the patient by applying a compressive force to the torso.
  • the compressive force is, at least initially, achieved by reducing the inner circumference of the friction-lift torso harness contacting the torso. This reduction in the friction-lift torso harness inner circumference is caused by increasing the tension applied to the friction-lift torso harness.
  • this compressive force is to initially compresses the patient's clothing and soft flesh until an equilibrium point is reached where the compressive force is equal to the reaction force generated by the compressed torso. Thereafter, increasing the tension in the friction-lift torso harness will still increase the compressive force applied to the torso, but without appreciably reducing the inner circumference of the friction-lift torso harness as the reaction force will accordingly increase with the compressive force.
  • the friction force between the friction-lift torso harness and torso increases as the compressive force increases, and thus a lift force can be applied to lift the friction-lift torso harness and patient therein.
  • the lift force is translated via the tensioning mechanism to simultaneously apply the compressive force to the patient.
  • This upwards lift force only acts on the patient via the frictional force generated between the friction-lift torso harness and torso, in contrast to prior art devices that apply a lift force to limbs, gluteus, ribs, underarms or other body parts.
  • a portion of the patient will be lifted by the hoist only if the: a) lift force exceeds the weight of the portion of the patient to be lifted, and b) friction force between the patient's torso and the friction-lift torso harness equals or exceeds the weight of the portion of the patient to be lifted.
  • the friction-lift torso harness will simply slide up the patient's torso. If the lift force is too low, the patient will remain stationary.
  • the magnitude of the compressive force on the torso at any instant is directly proportional to the weight of the portion of the patient being lifted at that instant.
  • the compressive force on the torso gradually increases at the same progressive rate.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is capable of lifting at least 50 %, (and more preferably at least 70%) of a patient's weight during said patient raising, solely by frictional force applied between the friction-lift torso harness and the patients' torso, said frictional force being generated in reaction to said compressive force.
  • the friction-lift torso harness is capable of lifting 100% of a patient's weight during said patient raising, solely by frictional force applied between the friction-lift torso harness and the patients' torso, said frictional force being generated in reaction to said compressive force.
  • the friction-lift torso harness may be pretensioned about the patient's torso with minimal force, thereby avoiding initially subjecting the patient to an uncomfortably high level of compressive force.
  • attempting to use a harness that requires 'pre-tensioning' to provide the entirety, majority or indeed even any significant portion of the total compressive force required leads to an intolerable level of discomfort for most patients and is therefore impractical, hence requiring use of limb straps or the like to provide most of the lifting force.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured for pre-tensioning via a releasable fastening, wherein in use, when fitted to a patient, said releasable fastening is capable of applying a pretension to the patient via the friction-lift torso harness, said pre-tension corresponding to a proportion of the patient's weight to be lifted, where 100% pre-tension corresponds to a maximum value of the tension required to grip the lifted portion of the patient.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured to only apply a pre-tension of less than 50% of the tension required to grip the lifted portion of the patient during said patient raising, the friction-lift torso harness applying the remainder of the tension required e.g. for a pre-tension value of 50%, the friction-lift torso harness applies the remaining 50% required.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured to only apply a pre-tension of less than 30% (and more preferably less than 20%) of the tension required to grip the lifted portion of the patient.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured for pretensioning via a releasable fastening, wherein in use, when fitted to a patient, said releasable fastening is capable of applying a pre-tension to the patient via the friction-lift torso harness, said pre-tension corresponding to a proportion of the maximum compressive force required to lift the patient's weight, where 100% pre-tension corresponds to a maximum value of the compressive force required to lift the patient.
  • said releasable fastening is capable of applying a pre-tension of less than 50% of the compressive force required to lift the lifted portion of the patient's weight during said patient raising, the friction-lift torso harness applying the remainder of the compressive force required, e.g. for a pre-tension value of 50%, the friction-lift torso harness applies the remaining 50% compressive force required.
  • said releasable fastening is capable of applying a pre-tension of less than 30% (and more preferably less than 20%) of the compressive force required to lift the patient's lifted weight.
  • the friction-lift torso harness will successfully lift the patient with only a degree of pre-tensioning necessary to support the friction-lift torso harness in position about the patient's torso.
  • the pre-tension does not need to contribute to the total tension needed to achieve a successful lift.
  • said friction-lift torso harness is configured with a pre-tension of between 10-40%, (and preferably 10-20%) and thereafter lifting at least 50 %, (and preferably at least 70%) of a patient's weight during said patient raising, solely by frictional force applied between the friction-lift torso harness and the patients' torso, said frictional force being generated in reaction to said tension creating a compressive force.
  • said friction-lift torso harness further includes one or more torso-engagement sections, coupled to said tensioning mechanism.
  • said torso-engagement sections are at least partially rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, elastic, inelastic and/or any combination of same.
  • said friction-lift torso harness includes at least two said torso-engagement sections.
  • the torso engagement sections may take many forms, provided that in conjunction with the tensioning mechanism, in use the torso-engagement sections permit at least one of: the friction-lift torso harness to be fitted to a patient to form an encirclement about a patient's exterior torso; the tensioning mechanism to apply a variable tension in said friction-lift torso harness during patient raising or lowering; at least partly encircling a patient's torso between a patient's 5 th and 10th ribs.
  • said torso-engagement section is configured to further include: size-adjustment means (e.g., straps, clips, springs, slides, etc), and/or said releasable fastening, preferably including one or more closure and/or securement means, such as zips, buttons, toggles, studs, buckles, straps, pins, hooks and the like.
  • size-adjustment means e.g., straps, clips, springs, slides, etc
  • said releasable fastening preferably including one or more closure and/or securement means, such as zips, buttons, toggles, studs, buckles, straps, pins, hooks and the like.
  • the torso-engagement section may, for example, take the form of a flexible fabric band, or vest, able to be wrapped about the patient's torso, and tensioned during use via the tensioning mechanism during lifting and lowering. It will also be apparent that numerous different forms of torso-engagement sections are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • said torso-engagement sections are formed as a harness band.
  • the term 'band' does not imply any particular shape or configuration, uniformity, elongation, or other property or constraints other than being able to at least partially encircle a patient's torso.
  • the term 'harness' also does not imply any specific configurations or properties, other than being able to at least partially encircle a patient's torso and does not imply any portion or element of the harness is fitted to, or surrounds, or partially surrounds, a patient's shoulder, or axilla.
  • the harness band may be formed by a pair of said torso-engagement sections connectable together via a pair of separate connections, in the form of said releasable fastening, and the tensioning mechanism, respectively.
  • said tensioning mechanism includes at least one spreader set.
  • said spreader set includes at least two spreader bars.
  • the term 'spreader bar' as used herein includes any structure, element, material or the like and any portion of same, configured as an interface to spread a tension applied at one or more points of the spreader bar, over a larger area, or region via the spreader bar.
  • a spreader bar may be readily conceived, eponymously, as a distinct elongate bar, the term also covers other, non-elongate shapes and a region or portion of a surface, object, or material with sufficient rigidity to able to disperse, or transmit an applied force over a wider/larger region or area than the area or region of the input force/tension.
  • a spreader bar may alternatively be: a distinct element, attached to a portion of the harness band, or formed as a rigid, semi-rigid, sufficiently stiffened portion, or an integrated part of, the harness band itself.
  • said harness band includes at least one spreader bar at a distal end.
  • said harness band includes two spreader bars, located at two corresponding opposing distal ends of said harness band.
  • said spreader set includes a pair of mutually opposed spreader bars, at least one of said spreader bars being reversibly movable towards, and away from, the other spreader bar of said pair.
  • said spreader set includes a pair of spreader bars, each with a substantially elongate axis, orientated mutually parallel to, and reversibly movable towards and away from, the other spreader bar of said pair.
  • said harness band, and attached tensioning mechanism when fitted to a patient, collectively form said encirclement about said patient's exterior torso.
  • said tensioning mechanism is attached between separate portions of said torsoengagement sections, preferably formed as said harness band.
  • said friction-lift torso harness includes a bridge panel member.
  • said bridge panel member is attached between separate portions of said torsoengagement sections, preferably between portions of said harness band.
  • said bridge panel member is attached; between separate portions of said harness band, and to said tensioning mechanism.
  • a bridge panel member may serve multiple functions, including; preventing the tensioning mechanism becoming entangled with, or injuring, the patient by positioning of the bridge panel member between the tensioning mechanism and the patient's torso; and providing a mounting point for one or more spreader bars.
  • said tensioning mechanism includes at least one pulley system, through which said tensioning strand may pass.
  • said pulley system includes at least one pulley mounted on, or operatively connected to said torso-engagement sections.
  • said pulley system includes at least one pulley mounted on, or operatively connected to a spreader bar.
  • said pulley system includes at least one pulley mounted on, or operatively connected to said bridge panel member.
  • the term 'pulley' includes an at least partially curved surface for engagement with a strand and which acts to change the direction of, and/or transmit a force applied to the strand, wherein said curved surface may be fixed, movable and/or rotatable, and includes surfaces of constant and non-constant radius.
  • a further fundamental characteristic of a pulley is that they operated by pulling, not pushing.
  • - bridge panel member may be operatively connected to one of said:
  • said first and second harness band positions are, respectively, first and second distal ends, with said tensioning mechanism attached therebetween.
  • said tensioning mechanism includes at least one spreader set with at least two spreader bars.
  • a friction-lift torso harness includes a spreader set with at least two spreader bars, at least one spreader bar being formed as: an elongate bar, attached to a portion of the harness band, or a rigid, semi-rigid, or stiffened portion of said harness band, or a portion of a bridge panel member.
  • the friction-lift torso harness includes two or more spreader sets.
  • said harness band includes a pair of spreader sets configured to be positioned, in use, on substantially opposing portions of the torso.
  • said substantially opposing portions of the torso may be located:
  • the successful lifting of a patient is also dependant on a sufficiently effective holding of the patient to prevent any sliding between the friction-lift torso harness and the patient's torso. Not only is it largely impractical, it is also highly undesirable to simply apply an excessive compressive force to the patient's torso to ensure sufficient friction for a successful lift.
  • the desirable goal from the standpoint of both ensuring patient comfort and of effective execution of patient handling prioritises the following characteristics during a friction-lift torso harness lift, namely: applying the minimum necessary compression force to the torso for a successful and safe lift; maximising the ratio of tension applied to the harness band from the tensioning mechanism, from that received by the tensioning mechanism from the lift strand, i.e., minimizing tension losses, particularly in the tensioning mechanism; continuously and responsively adjusting the harness band tension during lifting and lowering whilst complying with the above objectives.
  • T B / F w is defined as a 'Proportional Forcing Factor (PFF), denoted by /c p /y.
  • PFF Proportional Forcing Factor
  • the effective coefficient of friction p e ff for a patient is between about 0.4 - 0.5.
  • the PFF value governing how the force due to the lifted weight is converted into tension about the torso must have a value of kpFF of at least 0.4However, a PFF of 0.4 is a minimal value and may not be sufficient in some circumstances, e.g. where patient's clothing has very low friction. Thus, preferred embodiments will have a higher PFF, ideally with a PFF of at least 0.5.
  • a PFF value of > 0.4 is not achievable by existing prior art lifting and/or patient handling devices using the general principle of using a person's body weight to tighten some form of a vest or torso band.
  • Such existing devices are thus only used to stabilise, but not lift a patient, or used in conjunction with other means to achieve patient lifting, i.e., leg straps, groin straps, axilla slings knee pads and the like.
  • the PFF i.e., the interrelationship between the force of the lifted weight of the patient F w and the tension applied to the harness band T B may also be expressed in different terms, namely the mechanical advantage (MA) and frictional efficiency (f tm ). The relationship between these terms is given as:
  • the efficiency of the tensioning mechanism (irrespective of its configuration) is significantly impacted by the efficiency of the re-direction of the vertically orientated tension in the tension strands (between the lift hooks and the tension mechanism) to a substantially horizontal orientation in the tension mechanism, i.e., a re-direction of substantially 90°.
  • MA Mechanical Advantage
  • a pulley It is desirable for a pulley to impart the least tension loss to the tensioning strand as it passes about its contact surface. Tension losses may largely arise due to: surface friction between the strand exterior and the pulley surface, rotational friction, from the bearings or axel of rotatable pulleys, deformation of any portion of the pulley system under load. 0127 Rotatable pulleys offer significantly higher efficiencies comparative to fixed pulleys (also referred to herein as sheaves) and are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and robust. Pulleys with low friction bearings, such as ball bearings, roller bearings and the like offer even higher efficiencies.
  • said at least one pulley is configured with:
  • Pulley systems with one, two, or more pulleys, multiple pulley pairs configured in a cross-lacing configuration, efficient pulleys with low-friction bearings, different mounting arrangements and spreader bar configurations and the like are described in greater detail herein.
  • the friction-lift torso harness includes a spreader set configured with two spreader bars, mounted to allow mutually independent orientation.
  • the spreader bars are also able to assume a mutually non-parallel configuration e.g., to form a V, or inverted V-shape.
  • the friction-lift torso harness is capable of accommodating variations in torso shapes, allowing the combined harness band and tensioning mechanism to match not only the shape of the patient, (who may, for example, have a proportionally larger upper torso, or lower thorax/abdomen) but also accommodate differences in the manner that separate regions of the torso react to compression.
  • control electronics receives data of the instantaneous weight measured from said weight sensors and outputs control signals to said inflatable girdle to apply a tension to the friction-lift torso harness, by inflating or delating said girdle proportional to said instantaneous weight data.
  • a further beneficial characteristic of the friction-lift torso harness and patient handling device is the ability to perform patient lifting and lowering without need to apply any external constraints or forces on the patient.
  • prior art sit-to-stand hoists rely on additional supports to assist lifting the patient, including; knee braces, to act as a fulcrum to pivot the patient's torso (and upper legs) as the axilla strap pulls them upwards and forwards upwards, and/or leg straps, groin straps, and/or slings passing beneath the patient's gluteal region. 0135
  • knee braces to act as a fulcrum to pivot the patient's torso (and upper legs) as the axilla strap pulls them upwards and forwards upwards, and/or leg straps, groin straps, and/or slings passing beneath the patient's gluteal region.
  • knee braces can place an uncomfortable degree of pressure on the patient's knees.
  • Groin straps and/or thigh leg straps do provide the capacity to lift a patient, though this comes at the expense of comfort, freedom of leg movement and ease of fitment.
  • both techniques do not allow the patient to be raised vertically, without also being horizontally impeded, constrained or otherwise subject to an impetus during lifting.
  • the friction-lift torso harness and patient handling device allow the patient to be lifted with their Centre of Mass (CoM) position to be suspended beneath the effective lift point, thus obviating the need for any external horizontal forces.
  • CoM Centre of Mass
  • the horizontal path of the lift hoist substantially mirrors the horizontal travel of the patient's CoM, it will be appreciated that, in combination with the upward vertical travel, the dynamics of the combined movement also mirror the natural human dynamics during a typical, unassisted standing form seated movement. Moreover, in the final portion of travel at the full extent of the lifting as the patient becomes fully upright, the patient's CoM will be brought into coincidence with the patient's footprint ensuring maximum stability.
  • knee pads may be used in such applications to provide additional bracing for the patient. It will thus be noted that the bracing function of the knee pads for a raised patient, is in no way comparable to the abovedescribed prior art techniques used to raise a patient.
  • said friction-lift torso harness incorporates a respiration relief mechanism.
  • said respiration relief mechanism incorporates an elastomeric or resilient portion, configured with a spring bias vector opposing expansion of the friction-lift torso harness inner perimeter, with a spring force magnitude less than a chest expansion capacity of a respirating patient.
  • said respiration relief mechanism includes;
  • said tension mechanism is releasably detachable from said friction-lift torso harness.
  • said tension mechanism is releasably attached to said friction-lift torso harness by zipper fastening, pin and loop fastening, mechanical fasteners or the like.
  • the patient lift hoist of the patient-moving device may be adapted to replace (or supplement) the need for manual operation of the patient lift hoist by a carer, by incorporation of powered components, controlled by:
  • remote operation controls operable by a career, or autonomous controls, at least partially operable by a computer independently of direct carer or patient control.
  • Figures la and lb show a patient-moving device and a friction-lift torso harness according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the friction-lift torso harness of figure 1, fitted to a patient;
  • Figure 3 shows an enlarged rear view of the friction-lift torso harness of figures 1 and 2;
  • Figures 4a and 4b show the friction-lift torso harness of figure 3, illustrating the effect of movement by lift wires;
  • Figures 5a and 5b show a simplified schematic of the forces involved in deriving how a tensioned encircling band lifts an object via friction force
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the tension in a tensioned band as the band is pulled over the surface of an object
  • Figures 7a-7d depict visual representations of different ellipsoids illustrating analysis of the nature of compressive forces being applied to a patient's torso;
  • Figures 8a-8c illustrate differing distributions of a lifting force applied to the friction-lift torso harness of figures 1-4;
  • Figures 9a-9d show schematic representations of pulley lacing pattern variations that may be used in a tensioning mechanism in the friction-lift torso harness;
  • Figure 10 shows an individual lacing step with a three-step lacing pattern
  • Figures 11a and lib show schematic diagrams of the friction-lift torso harness illustrating differing proportional forcing factors necessary to achieve a successful lift threshold PFF value
  • Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso
  • Figures 13a and 13b respectively show another embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness and a schematic force analysis of the harness of 13a;
  • Figure 14 shows another alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness
  • Figures 15a and 15b show a comparison of two embodiments of friction-lift torso harnesses with different tensioning mechanisms
  • Figures 16a -16d show the friction-lift torso harness of figure 15b;
  • Figure 17 shows the anterior skeletal structure and exterior surface of a human torso
  • Figures 18a - 18c show embodiments utilising an individual lift point comprised of a single lift hook
  • Figures 19a - 19b show an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness utilising four lift wires
  • Figures 20a - 20f show an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, using only two lift wires
  • Figure 21 shows an embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness utilising an alternative configuration of tensioning mechanism than the single radius pulleys used in the preceding embodiments;
  • Figure 22a - 22c show alternative embodiments of a friction-lift torso harness
  • Figure 23a - 23b shows an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness using a
  • Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, with a respiration relief mechanism
  • Figures 25a - 25d shows an alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, with a detachable tensioning mechanism shown in various stages of operation and detachment;
  • Figures 26a - 26c shows another alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, with a detachable tensioning mechanism having zips;
  • Figure 27 shows another alternative embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, with a detachable tensioning mechanism including pin and loop connectors;
  • Figure 28a and 28b respectively show other alternative embodiments of a friction-lift torso harness, with varying lifting hook positions.
  • Figure 29 shows a further embodiment of a friction-lift torso harness, employing a centre pulley.
  • Figures la and lb show preferred embodiments of the present invention in the form of a patientmoving device (1) and a friction-lift torso harness (10). It will be appreciated that the two embodiments, as shown in figures la) and lb) are exemplary only and not an exhaustive list as the present invention (1, 10) may be used in a range of applications where the weight of a person needs supporting entirely or partially. As referenced previously, the term "patient” as used herein, also includes any person using the present invention, for any purpose, irrespective of their physical heath or mobility status.
  • the patient-moving device (1) (also known as a 'sit-to-stand' device) is configured for patient handling, including raising and lowering a seated patient (2) between a seated position X and a raised activity position Y (shown in phantom in figure la).
  • the patient-moving device (1) further includes a patient lift hoist (3) and two tensioning strands, in the form of a pair of lift-wires (4), attached between the friction-lift torso harness (10) and the patient lift hoist (3).
  • the patient (2) seated in wheelchair (8) in figure la) may be raised to the activity position Y for a variety of purposes, including rehabilitation/muscle strengthening, wellbeing, exercise, transport or repositioning to a new location, toileting, nursing care and so forth.
  • knee braces to act as a pivot for the patient's torso as the strap around the patient's back and under their armpits raises them upwards, or
  • leg straps, groin straps, and/or slings passing beneath the patient's gluteal region are often uncomfortable during use and awkward to fit for seated patients with restricted mobility and/or strength.
  • the present invention provides a more secure grip on the patient, thereby obviating any need for strength to participate in the transfer.
  • the patient-moving device (1) (shown in figure la)), incorporates a purpose-built mobile chassis (5) attached to the lift hoist (3) and is also provided with patient footplates (7) and knee braces (9).
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) may be adapted to operate with an existing apparatus (not shown explicitly), such as a patient lift hoist (3), with associated lift wires (4), and supported by an existing chassis (5) or gantry (6).
  • the patient (2) is already fully elevated in a standing position, supported beneath a gantry (6) by the friction-lift torso harness (10) suspended by the lift wires (4).
  • Such a patientmoving device configuration allows for patient-supported standing, gait and balance training and rehabilitation.
  • Prior art walking harnesses/vests/slings are utilised in rehabilitation settings where a patient (2) is prescribed walking exercises as therapy but are at risk of falling during the exercise.
  • Such existing vests are intended for use with a person who has some standing strength.
  • these vests always include groin or leg straps that would support a person's full weight in the event of a patient (2) collapse.
  • the band/vest section around the torso may provide a small amount of lift force as it is tightened into the torso but is predominantly used for stabilising the patient from falling while walking or if being suspended via the groin straps.
  • the torso vest section must initially be tightened on the patient and then adjusted as the patient moves from a sitting to standing position, as the patient's body shape changes.
  • the groin straps are often uncomfortable and can be hard to fit to a sitting person.
  • the present invention friction-lift torso harness (10) allows easy fitment to a sitting person, without the need for groin straps.
  • Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the general arrangement of the friction-lift torso harness (10) fitted to a patient (2), while figure 3 shows an enlarged rear view of the friction-lift torso harness (10), with partial-cutaway for illustrative purposes.
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) is formed to include torso-engagement sections, in the form of a harness band (11) of flexible fabric (e.g., ballistic nylon or the like), separated into two main portions, coupled together at two distal ends by a tensioning mechanism (12).
  • a tensioning mechanism (12).
  • pulley systems are utilised. Pulley systems offer many desirable characteristics for lightweight, simple, reliable, mechanical advantage mechanisms. Particularly advantageous pulley configurations are described subsequently in greater detail, though each configuration involves the use of at least one lift wire (4) passing about at least one pulley (19) to reversibly adjust the tension in the friction-lift torso harness (10) via the tensioning mechanism (12).
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) is fitted by being wrapped about a patient's (2) exterior torso surface with the tensioning mechanism (12) positioned posteriorly.
  • a releasable fastening (13) in the form of hooks (14) and loops (15) enable the harness band (11) to be comfortably fitted and secured with minimal manipulation of, or discomfort for the patient (2) - e.g. without needing to raise the patient's arms, lift the torso (and/or leg) to fit lifting straps, and/or lean the patient's torso forwards or backwards to engage with a sling.
  • An adjustment mechanism is provided, in the form of adjustment straps (16) to allow the carer (not shown) to perform initial tightness/fit adjustment for the patient (2) of the friction-lift torso harness (10).
  • Lift tabs (17) are positioned anteriorly at the upper periphery of the harness band (11), allowing the distal ends of the pair of lift wires (4) to be releasably attached thereto.
  • the other ends of the pair of lift wires (4) are configured such that in use they pass over and above the patient's (2) shoulders to engage with other elements of the tensioning mechanism (12), as described in greater detail elsewhere.
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) can be fitted securely to a seated patient (2) (via appropriate adjustment of the releasable fastening (13) and adjustment straps (16)) without initially subjecting the patient (2) to an uncomfortably high level of compressive force.
  • the compressive force applied to the torso of the patient (2) only increases proportionally to the contemporaneous weight of the patient being lifted via the friction-lift torso harness (10).
  • figure 3 shows the posterior view of the friction-lift torso harness (10), with protective cover (18), (show in partial cut-away) covering the outward-facing aspect of the tensioning mechanism (12) and adjacent harness band (11).
  • the tensioning mechanism (12) includes a pulley system with pulleys (19), mounted on a pair of harness spreader bars (20) (only one visible in figure 3) that are located at distal ends of the harness band (11).
  • the pulley system also includes a lower pulley (19a) attached to a centre spreader bar (21).
  • a bridge panel member in the form of back board (22) is positioned between the tensioning mechanism (12) and the patient's posterior torso and serves to prevent elements of the tensioning mechanism (12) becoming entangled with, or injuring, the patient (2).
  • the back board (22) also provides a mounting point for the centre spreader bar (21).
  • the lift wires (4) are attached to the lift tabs (17) on the front of the friction-lift torso harness (10).
  • the lift wires (4) pass over the patient's (2) shoulders before interacting with the tensioning mechanism (12), passing about the pulleys (19) on the spreader bars (20, 21).
  • this preferred embodiment includes spreader bars (20) with additional functionality over that provided by a simple fixed rigid bar.
  • the harness spreader bars (20) shown in figure 3 are each configured with a harness anchor bar (23), attached to the harness band (11) and to a corresponding pulley mounting bar (24).
  • the pulley mounting bars (24) are elastically coupled to the corresponding harness anchor bar (23), by coupling springs (25).
  • both the pulley mounting bars (24) are able to independently displace from the harness anchor bars (23), allowing the pulley mounting bars (24) to splay apart according to the specific shape of the patient's torso and the comparative tension between different portions of the two harness anchor bars (23).
  • the spreader bars (20) may be formed as a single bar element combining both the harness anchor bar (23) and the pulley mounting bar (24), such that the pulleys (19) are attached to a spreader bar that is in turn attached directly to the harness band (11). Whilst such a configuration would be simpler, it offers limitations in terms of effectively conforming to the specific shape of individual patients (2).
  • at least one spreader bar (20) may be formed as an integral portion of the harness band (11) itself. Such configurations of an integrated spreader bar (20) may, for example, utilise strengthened, stiffened or otherwise reinforced portions of largely fabric harness bands (11).
  • Figures 4a) and 4b) show further views of the friction-lift torso harness (10) of figure 3, unobstructed by the cover (18) and illustrating the effect of movement by the lift wires (4).
  • the patient lift hoist (3) includes a pair of lift hooks (26), as shown in figures 4a, b), whereby the lift wires (4) pass over the lift hooks (26) as the lift wires (4) extend between the lift tabs (17) at the front of the harness band (11) and the tensioning mechanism (12) on the opposing, rearward side of the harness band (11).
  • the effective lift point being the physical point or position at which the weight of the patient (2) in the friction-lift torso harness (10) is lifted by the patient lift hoist (3), may be represented by a variety of configurations. In the embodiment shown in at least figures 4, 11, 12, 13 and 16, the lift point is located at the lift hooks (26).
  • C2 is the distance traversed by the harness band (11) between the pulley mounting bars (24).
  • C is the total circumference traversed by the friction-lift torso harness (10) extending about the patient's torso and is equal to Cl + C2,
  • the lift wires (4) will cease extending from the tensioning mechanism (12) and the lift force will be sufficient to start raising the patient (2).
  • 0179 Figures 5 a) and 5 b) show a simplified schematic of the forces involved in deriving how a tensioned encircling band lifts an object via friction force.
  • 0180 Figure 6 is a schematic showing how the tension in a tensioned band reduces as the band is pulled over the surface of the object.
  • the lateral exterior of an idealised human torso may be conceptually represented as a cylinder (27) as shown in figure 5a).
  • the lateral exterior of the human torso is not uniform and includes regions of irregularity and/or lateral projections (28) such as the lower extremity of the rib cage that are not parallel with the sides of the cylinder (27).
  • regions of irregularity and/or lateral projections (28) such as the lower extremity of the rib cage that are not parallel with the sides of the cylinder (27).
  • lateral projections (28) are non-vertical.
  • a recess or a projection from the plane of the cylindrical surface may be considered functionally equivalent for the purpose of this analysis and are thus both encompassed by the term projection.
  • the vertically upward force lifting the mass consists partially of a friction force, Fn, between the band and the surface of the mass and partially from phenomena known as mechanical keying, i.e., from a small component due to the tensioned band engaging with any protrusions or non-vertical projections (28) in the sides of the mass, referred to herein as Fkey,.
  • Fn friction force
  • any keying force only arises due to the presence of the tensioned band (29) and although in the case of a human torso, a relatively small component, the proportion of the contribution of each of these forces is impractical to determine. Therefore, this issue is addressed by combining the two upward force terms into a single term for frictional force, i.e., Ffn C .
  • Ffnc is calculated using the effective value of the co-efficient of friction between the band and the mass/body - p e ff, rather than a solely frictional value measured between two abutting flat surfaces, as typically reported in materials literature.
  • friction force, Ffnc is calculated as:
  • Ffric P-eff Ff ⁇ tot, (ii) where F N ,tot is the total normal force acting on the body from the tensioned band and p e ff is the effective coefficient of friction.
  • the coefficient of friction used would be that between the surface of the mass and the tensioned band. Where there are multiple layers of fabric that can slide against one another, such as is commonplace for a person wearing layers of clothing between themselves (i.e., the mass) and the tensioned band, then the lowest value of coefficient of friction found between layers would be used.
  • the tension reduction, or loss may be quantified by application of the well-established Capstan Equation, which calculates the loss of tension in rope or band being pulled over a curved surface.
  • the Capstan Equation can be applied to this scenario as:
  • T B front is the tension of the band in the front of the band (180° away from the spreader bars), and T B is the applied tension at the bars, R is the angle of wrap that the band goes around the curved surface and p is the coefficient of friction between the band and the surface, i.e., between the patient's skin and adjacent first layer of clothing.
  • fband modifies the total band tension used in our calculation of total normal force relative to band tension.
  • the tensioning mechanism (12) converts the lifted weight force into tension in the harness band (11).
  • PFF Proportional Forcing Factor
  • the lifting vest will apply greater compressive force to the patient's torso than the minimum necessary for lifting, a patient (2) who requires a PFF lower than the given lift threshold (due to a higher p e ff) will still be ensured of a secure lift.
  • FIG. 7a-c depict visual representations of different ellipsoids illustrating further analysis of the nature of any compressive forces being applied to the patient's torso.
  • a practical consequence of a tensioning band-type configuration is the likely necessity for some form of physical barrier to protect clothing or skin from being entrapped or otherwise impinged by movement of the spreader bars (20).
  • any bunching or interference with the patient's clothing restricts the freedom and efficiency travel of the spreader bars (20), thus reducing the tension generated in the harness band (11).
  • the protection of a physical barrier is again provided by of a bridge panel member in the form of flexible back board (22).
  • FIG. 0220 Figure 8a shows a medial view of the distribution of the vertical force distributed circumferentially about the patient's torso by the friction-lift torso harness (10) being transferred from the patient (2) to the back board (22) by a simple ratio of contact areas. It can be seen that the two anterior quarters of the harness band (11) each account for lifting approximately 1/4 of the lifted weight. Posteriorly, it can be seen approximately l/6th of the lifted weight is distributed through the back board (22) and a further l/6th via the harness band (11) portion either side of the back board (22).
  • the angle 0 made by the lift wire (4) passing about the centre pulley (19) may be set such that the calculation of upward force on the back board (22) centre pulley (19) is approximately l/6th of the lifted weight force.
  • a setting is effective due to a self- regulatory characteristic of the configuration, i.e., if the calculation of angle 0 is incorrect, the back board (22) simply slides downwards until the angle 0 of the lift wires (4) results in sufficient upwards force on the back board (22) via the centre pul ly (19) to prevent slippage, thus obviating the need for additional and/or more accurate calculation.
  • the ratio by which the friction-lift torso harness (10) transfers force from the lift wires (4) into harness band (11) tension can be determined by analysing the lift wire (4) lacing pattern between the harness spreader bars (20).
  • FIGS 9a) - 9d) represent a single lacing step. It is desirable to add additional lacing steps or stages to increase the Proportional Forcing Factor (PFF) of the vest.
  • PFF Proportional Forcing Factor
  • FIG 10 shows a three-step lacing pattern. It should be noted that the lacing pattern is depicted with an exaggerated wire angle traversing between the spreader bars (20) for clarity and comprehensibility purposes only. In actuality, the wires would be effectively parallel as they cross between spreader bars (20).
  • a measurement obtained through experiment provides the most accurate information for a particular configuration, such as, for example, a webbing strap through a metal ring, where a standard equation doesn't accurately approximate, or where theoretical pulley calculations are idealised and don't account for unexpected real-world losses.
  • a standard equation doesn't accurately approximate, or where theoretical pulley calculations are idealised and don't account for unexpected real-world losses.
  • Fwire can be related directly to the lifted weight, F w .
  • F W ire F w / Nwires-
  • the lift wires are substantially vertical between the tensioning system (12) and the lifting hooks (26).
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) shown in figure 11a) includes a tension mechanism (12) formed from a pulley system with two pulleys (19) on opposing harness spreader bars (20), interfacing with twin lift wires (4) passing from two frontal lift tabs (17), over two individual lift hooks (26) and terminating at separate attachment points on the opposing spreader bars (20).
  • the embodiment shown in figure 9a) has the same configuration.
  • lift wires (4) are attached at the front of the patient (2) to the lift tabs (17) on the harness band (11).
  • the lift wires (4) will lose tension due to friction with the lift hooks (26), resulting in the lift wires (4) at the front being at a higher tension than the rear, as shown.
  • the Capstan Equation can be used to calculate the loss of wire tension as wires run over the lifting hooks. It is known the Capstan Equation underestimates the tension loss when the wire is thin, the curved surface is small, and the forces are high relative to the rope strength. Therefore, we look to experimental results to determine the tension loss. From established literature and practical experiment, we can deduce a two thirds reduction in tension in the lift wires (4) from the posterior to anterior sides of the patient (2). Therefore, the two rear wires (4) each bear approximately 20% of the total lifted weight, 0.2F w , and the two front wires each bear approximately 30% of the lifted weight, 0.3F w . The four lift wires (4) thus sum 100% of the lifted force.
  • the embodiment shown in figure 13 a) includes a pulley-operated tensioning mechanism (12), shown in greater detail in figure 13b).
  • the primary function of a pulley (19) is to redirect a vertical force to horizontal force, in order to create tension in the harness band (11).
  • the number of steps the lift wires (4) are laced between the harness spreader bars (20), determines the magnitude of force created between the spreader bars (20) and, therefore, the harness band (11) tension generated.
  • the pulley lacing configuration of the tensioning mechanism (12) in figure 13 b) can be analysed by assigning some empirically derived values of losses for plastic pulley (19) of a given diameters and individual angle of lift wire (4) wrap about a given pulley (19).
  • the tensioning mechanism (12) may utilise other lift wire (4) turning elements (e.g., a ring, bar, round edge, fixed sheeve, capstan or the like) and not just pulleys (19). While pulleys (19) certainly offer advantages in terms of performance and efficiency, other means may be preferred in alternative embodiments.
  • other lift wire (4) turning elements e.g., a ring, bar, round edge, fixed sheeve, capstan or the like
  • pulleys (19) certainly offer advantages in terms of performance and efficiency, other means may be preferred in alternative embodiments.
  • the embodiment in figure 15b) uses plain (non-ball bearing) plastic pulleys and draws the lift wires (4) over lift hooks (26) at the lifting point.
  • the embodiment in figure 15b) includes a collection of features that exacerbate loss of tension in the lift wires (4) and reduce efficiency.
  • a consequence of the lower efficiencies of the figure 15b) embodiment is that an additional lift wire (4) must be pulled from the tensioning mechanism (12), comparative to the embodiment of figure 15a).
  • the patient lift hoist (3) needs to raise the lift hooks (4) a greater distance in order to create the same degree of movement 6d between the spreader bars (20).
  • the lift hooks (4) need to be raised less to achieve the same tightening effect.
  • Typical commercially manufactured patient lift hoists (3) are manufactured with a limited vertical lifting range. A certain fraction of this range is obviously needed for lifting a patient (2) from sitting to standing, and a further fraction is needed for tightening the friction-lift torso harness (10). If the friction-lift torso harness (10) is initially fitted to the patient (2) too loosely, thus needing to reduce in diameter by a large amount before beginning to lift the patient (2), this may not leave sufficient range to successfully raise the patient to the desired raised position. It is thus desirable that the amount of lift wire (4) drawn from the tensioning mechanism (12) in use is minimised.
  • Figures 16 a) - b) show the friction-lift torso harness (10) of figures 15b) and illustrate its capability to adapt to the individual ergonomic needs of the patient (2).
  • the human body self-evidently does not have parallel sides, nor is it uniform in size or shape amongst any population globally or historically. It is thus important that the tensioning mechanism (12) of the friction-lift torso harness (10) allows the harness band (11) to conform with the differing bodies of patients (2).
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) of figures 15 and 16 are designed to accommodate variation in torso shapes by permitting the longitudinal axis of the two harness spreader bars (20) to be mutually non-parallel during use, i.e., allowing the spreader bars (20) to form a V, or inverted V- shape. Allowing a splayed V, or inverted V-shape for the spreader bars (20) allows the friction-lift torso harness (10) to match not only the shape of the patient, (who may, for example, have a proportionally larger upper torso, or lower thorax/abdomen) but also accommodate differences in the manner separate regions of the torso react to compression.
  • Figures 16a and 16b show a centre pulley (19) at the bottom of the centre spreader bar (21) which allows the harness spreader bars (20) to freely rotate to fit the shape of the patient (2) without needing to draw or release any lift wire (4) from the tensioning mechanism (12).
  • FIG. 17 shows the anterior skeletal structure and exterior surface of a human torso, indicating the respective positions of the recognised anatomical landmarks of the 12 ribs (individually, and successively indicated from the smallest, uppermost rib by Rl, downwards to rib 12 denoted by R12).
  • the present invention applies a compressive force between at least two opposing exterior torso portions of the patient (2). While the compressive force may be applied to other portions, it is at least applied in the medial band of the torso between the 5 th and 10 th rib on at least two opposing exterior torso portions.
  • Figure 18 a shows four lift wires (4) from the friction-lift torso harness (10) passing about a single pulley (19) at a single lift hook (26).
  • Figures 18 b) and 18 c) respectively show embodiments with a single lift hook (26) without, and with, a halo spreader (36).
  • a potential difficulty of using a single lift hook (26) without a halo spreader (36) (as per figure 18b)) is the risk of interference or entanglement of the lift wires (4) and the head of the patient (2).
  • a halo spreader (36) offers a remedy for this difficulty by maintaining a safe separation between the lift wires (4) until well clear of the patient (2), as shown in figure 18 c).
  • figures 19a) and 19b) show an embodiment with multiple sets of spreader bars (20) and pulleys (19), i.e., multiple spreader sets (37). More specifically, it provides a tensioning mechanism (12) with a two spreader sets (37), each interlaced with a pair of lift wires (4).
  • the two spreader sets (37) are connected to the harness band (11) to be positioned, when in use, at the front and back of the patient's torso.
  • a tensioning mechanism (12) may be comprised of multiple spreader sets (37) and need not necessarily be restricted to one or two sets (37) as shown in the preceding embodiments. Due to the second spreader set (37) being located at the centre of the patient's chest, the central fastening (13) used in the previous embodiments is replaced by an offset fastener (13) in the form of a zip fastening (38).
  • FIGS 19 a) - 19 b) also show the configuration of four separate lift wires (4) leading up to a lift point of four separate lift hooks (26).
  • a benefit of individual lift wire/lift hook pairings (4, 26) is the elimination of tension losses incurred as a lift wire (4) is pulled over a lift hook (26).
  • the PFF of a tensioning mechanism (12) can also be represented in terms of mechanical advantage (MA) and frictional efficiency (f tm ). The relationship is given as:
  • the MA represents the maximum possible value of PFF which a tensioning mechanism (12) is possible of achieving if no frictional losses were present.
  • JLPE Lifting Point Efficiency
  • fgo the efficiency of the redirection of the lift wires
  • Figure 19b should be able to lift a person solely through frictional contact of the harness (10) and patient's torso.
  • Figures 20 a) - c) show a further embodiment demonstrating the ability for the friction-lift torso harness (10) to successfully function using only two lift wires (4) in conjunction with a tensioning mechanism (12) incorporating two spreader sets (37) on opposing lateral sides of the patient (2).
  • Figure 20 a) - c) show the initial position (e.g., while the patient (2) is seated) of the two spreader sets (37) on opposing lateral sides of the patient (2) before any appreciable lift force has been applied.
  • the spreader bar mounting the single pulley (19) will be displaced upwards relative to the other spreader bar (20) of the spreader set (37), by an angle 0.
  • angle 00 30°.
  • FIG. 0306 Figure 21 shows an embodiment utilising an alternative configuration of tensioning mechanism (12) than the single radius pulleys (19) used in the preceding embodiments.
  • pulleys are essentially one form of simple mechanical advantage mechanisms. Rotatable pulleys with bearings also provide low frictional loss relative to sheaves, rods, gears, and the like.
  • a tensioning mechanism (12) as an alternative to the pulley lacing-type systems to multiply the amount of force in the lift wire, F W ire, into tension (T B ) in the harness band (11).
  • the embodiment of figure 21 utilises co-axially mounted pulleys of different radii.
  • the lift wire (4) passes about (and thus turns) a large outer pulley (40) with radius ri, mounted to an axle on the back board (22).
  • Co-axially mounted with the outer pulley (40) is a smaller inner pulley (41), radius r2.
  • a separate tensioning cable (42) is attached to the harness spreader bar (23) via small, intermediate pulleys (19).
  • the lift wire (4) and tensioning cable (42) collectively form the tensioning strand of the tensioning mechanism.
  • the position where the lift wire (4) connects with the tightening mechanism (11) is effectively decoupled from the movement of the spreader bars (20) (in contrast to previous embodiments) as the lift wire (4) engages with the larger radius of the pulley (40) whose position is fixed during tightening.
  • the position where the tensioning cable (42) connects to the harness band (11) does not alter with respect to the travel of the spreader bars (20).
  • the co-axial pulleys (40, 41) are mounted independently of the spreader bars (20), so the net cross-section of spreader bars (20) can be reduced.
  • wires/cables may be used for the lift wire (4) and tensioning cable (42), e.g., metal cables between the spreader bars (20) within the tensioning mechanism (12), and a polyester rope for the lift wire (4).
  • tensioning cable (42) e.g., metal cables between the spreader bars (20) within the tensioning mechanism (12), and a polyester rope for the lift wire (4).
  • high tensile materials such as metal wires, aramid cords and the like may be formed thin, with minimal diameters, while still retaining the requisite strength and wear resistance, whereas large diameter, soft, malleable polyester ropes offer more forgiving properties in case of any contact with the patient (2). allowing both spreader bars (20) to be mutually non-parallel.
  • the force multiplication factor (i.e., the mechanical advantage) of lift wire (4) to harness band tension may be easily fine-tuned by alteration of the ratio ri/ra of the pulleys (40, 41) radii.
  • This offers more easily accessible iterations for customisation and optimisation, compared to the discrete steps of altering the number of pulley cross-lacing steps to alter force. simple adjustment of the ratio of ri and r2, by any increment.
  • swapping pulleys sizes for different patients, depending on factors such as their body type or clothing worn will allow a customised optimisation of the forces experienced by the patient during lifting.
  • Possible constraints of such configurations may include the comparatively larger size of the pulleys (40), and any associated discomfort this may cause a patient (2).
  • Fcable (ri/r 2 ) * Fwire, (XXXVH) assuming 100% efficiency in the pulley bearings.
  • FIG. 22a) and 22b) show two such alternative friction lift torso harness (10) embodiments for applying a compressive force normal to a patient's torso without using a pulley system.
  • FIG. 22b) and c) also show an embodiment where sensors (44) measure the lift wire (4) tension and send that data to control electronics (45) to provide corresponding proportional control signals (46) to the tensioning mechanism (12).
  • the compressive force applied to the torso of the patient (2) is by a pneumatic air supply to inflatable bladders (47) inside a harness band (11) provided in the form of a rigid outer shell (48) that is hinged to allow fitting about the torso of the patient (2).
  • the control electronics (45) output a control signal to the pneumatic air supply to apply a pressure to the inflatable bladders (47) proportional to the measured lift wire (4) tension, thus creating normal force against a patient's torso as shown in the medial torso view of figure 22 c).
  • Alternative layout configurations (not shown) of the inflatable bladders (47) are also possible, restricting the application of the compressive forces during lifting, solely to the portions of the torso circumference in contact with the inflatable bladders (47).
  • a benefit of this embodiment is a potential for the application of a circumferentially uniform and consistent force around all or designated portions of the patient's torso.
  • Notable disadvantages include the additional complexity of a pneumatic and electronic controls comparative to a purely mechanical tensioning system, an increased difficulty in fitment to patients (2) and limited size adjustment capability.
  • Figures 23a and 23b show a yet further embodiment incorporating a visually distinct friction-lift torso harness (10) from the preceding embodiments, which is still operationally and conceptually the same.
  • the harness band is implemented in the form of two substantially planar compression panels (49) oriented in use substantially vertically at on opposing sides of the patient's torso.
  • the compression panels (49) need not necessarily form monolithic continuous solid surfaces, provided they possess sufficient structural integrity for their role and have provision for attachment of the tensioning mechanism and cushioning pads (50) on their respective torso-facing surfaces.
  • the tensioning mechanism (12) connects the two compression panels (49) on opposing lateral sides.
  • the tensioning mechanism (12) is directly equivalent, formed as a pair of spreader sets (37), attached between the compression panels (49) on opposing lateral sides.
  • each spreader set (37) twin pairs of cross-laced pulleys (19) are attached to the compression panels (49), with a corresponding lift wire (4) acting therebetween. It can be seen that functionally, and when viewed transversely (as in figure 23 b)), the two spreader bars (20) in each spreader set (37) are also lateral edges of the two compression panels (49).
  • Tensioning the lift wires (4) during lifting acts to draw the two spreader bars (i.e., the compression panels (49)) together, thus applying compression to the torso of the patient (2).
  • the compression panels (49) are also equivalent to, and play the functional role as, the harness band (11) in the preceding embodiments.
  • the harness band (11) of a tensioning mechanism (12) need not be a flexible band or the like, provided it is still able to apply a compressive force to the patient (2) under tension from the tensioning mechanism (12).
  • the 'sandwich board' configuration of figure 23 also allows the majority of applied force to be restricted solely to the torso front and back which may be more comfortable for some patients (2).
  • a similar derivation may be employed to determine the PFF value, i.e., the required ratio of lifted force, F w , to panel force, F p .
  • the following derivation determines the ratio between lifted force and force between the two panels (49), required to lift a person.
  • the lacing forces are applied on both sides of the patient (2) and thus sum together to give the total compression panel (49) force.
  • the force required by the spreader set (37) on just one side of the patient (2) is half of kw- P — 1.1, i.e., kw- P , oneside — 0.55
  • FIG. 0337 Figure 24 shows a similar embodiment to that of figure 2, with the addition of a respiration relief mechanism in the form of springs (51), incorporated into the harness band fasteners (13).
  • the respiration relief mechanism need not necessarily be springs (51), nor form part of the harness band fasteners (13).
  • Alternative forms of respiration relief mechanisms include portions of the harness band (11) being formed from elastic, or resilient materials, or including elastomeric materials in the fastening (13).
  • the harness band (11) of the friction-lift torso harness (10) will typically be made from very low stretch material.
  • a low stretch material is desirable because the harness band (11) is subjected to the tensile force from the spreader bar (20), any appreciable stretching by the harness band (11) will increase its length. This additional length would need to be compensated for by additional travel of the spreader bars (20), requiring an additional length of lift wire (4) to be drawn from the tensioning mechanism (12), which is undesirable, as described previously.
  • a negative consequence of a harness band (11) formed from such low-stretch material is that in use, when there is enough compressive force applied by the friction-lift torso harness (10) on the torso to lift a patient (2), any respiration by the patient (2) requiring an appreciable or perceptible expansion of the chest and abdomen will be constrained by the large compressive force from the tensioned friction-lift torso harness (10), potentially causing mild feelings of constriction.
  • springs (51) in the harness band (11) fastenings allows the circumference of the harness band (11) to increase under the pressure of the patient's (4) inhalation and associated increase of their ribcage and abdomen diameter.
  • Springs are orientated in line with the applied tension in the harness band (11) and are thus subjected to the same tension.
  • the springs (51) extend slightly under the applied tension.
  • the spring constants of the springs (51) may be selected such that their reactionary force to any added extension due to respiration does not exceed that required by the patient (2) to comfortable expand their chest during inhalation.
  • the respiration relief means such as springs (51) or elastic material panels (not shown) can aid in its physical minimisation and maximise its effect on patient (4) comfort.
  • positioning elastic panels in front (i.e., anterior) portions of the harness band (11), where the tension is the lowest (as shown in figure 7c) - d)): enables the use of smaller and/or lighter springs/elastic portions, and maximises the effective lifespan of the spring/elastic portion due to being subjected to lower forces than in higher tension regions, such as adjacent the spreader bars (20).
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) will require cleaning.
  • the harness band (11) is most likely to require the most frequent cleaning, and this may be most effectively accomplished by use of a washing machine.
  • Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment with a tensioning mechanism (12) releasably attachable to the harness band (11) by a pair of zips (53), substantially adjacent, and parallel to the spreader bars (20) of the spreader set (37).
  • a tensioning mechanism (12) releasably attachable to the harness band (11) by a pair of zips (53), substantially adjacent, and parallel to the spreader bars (20) of the spreader set (37).
  • Simply operating both zips (53) enables the tensioning mechanism (12) and harness band (11) (shown connected together in figure 25a)) to be easily detached by unzipping and separated (as shown in figure 26 b) and c).
  • FIG. 27 shows a further alternative embodiment for a friction-lift torso harness (10) with a detachable tensioning mechanism (12).
  • the configuration of the friction-lift torso harness (10) corresponds to that shown in the embodiments of figures 2-4, with the addition of a pair of pin (54) and loop (55) connectors (54, 55) releasably connecting the tensioning mechanism (12) to the harness band (11).
  • the connectors (54, 55) are configured in a comparable arrangement to a typical door hinge, i.e., loops (55) are provided forming a series of interlocking portions sewn on, or attached to, both the tensioning mechanism (12) and harness band (11) adjacent the spreader set (37).
  • An elongated pin (54) is passed through the aligned interlocking loops (55) to connect the tensioning mechanism (12) and harness band (11) together.
  • the pins (54) may be formed as a flattened plastic component, with sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the harness band (11) tension, whilst also able to be contoured or sufficiently flexible to be comfortable when pressed against the patient's (2) body.
  • figure 28a shows a friction-lift torso harness (10) embodiment with lift wires (4) suspended beneath lift hooks (26) positioned with a substantially similar horizontal separation as the previously described embodiments.
  • the substantial equivalence between separation of the lift hooks (26) and the horizontal separation of the upper-most pulleys (19) results in a substantially vertical orientation of the lift wires (4).
  • figure 28b shows the same friction-lift torso harness (10) embodiment of figure 28a, used with lift hooks (26) with an increased horizontal separation.
  • the mounting of the uppermost pulleys (19) to the back board (22) instead of the spreader bars (20) decouples the orientation of the spreader bars (20) from the effects of the lifting hook (26) positioning.
  • Each lifting wire (4) enters the tensioning mechanism (12) about a corresponding pulley (19a) mounted on the back board (22). These back board pulleys (19a) redirect the lifting wires (4) to the uppermost pulley (19) of the corresponding spreader bar (20).
  • the embodiment of Figure 28 ensures that the entry point of the lifting wires (4) is not dependent on the position of the spreader bars (20). Moreover, the angle of entry of the lifting wires (4) to the tensioning mechanism (12) has no effect on the force vectors of the tension strands (4) on the spreader bar (20), thus providing a consistent harness tightening performance regardless of the lifting hook (26) positions - which vary with the type of lifting hoist (3) used. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art, that alternative friction-lift torso harness (10) configurations are able to achieve the same effects, such as that shown in figure 29.
  • the friction-lift torso harness (10) shown in figure 29 differs from that of figure 28a and 28b, by employing a centre pulley (19), bottom-mounted to the back board (22) via a centre spreader bar (21), with the tensioning cable (42) terminating at opposing attachments to the spreader bars (20).
  • friction-lift torso harness (10) embodiments may be configured utilising different configurations and permutations of the above-described features, elements, mechanisms, pulleys, lacing arrangements and the like, including, but not limited to inclusion of: back board; spreader set; spreader bar pair; two Lift wires; four Lift wires; spreader bar coupling springs; pulleys; back board mounted pulleys; low friction sheaves instead of pulleys ; gear mechanism; compression panel pair; removable tensioning mechanism; respiration relief mechanism; symmetric pulley tension cable lacing pattern; asymmetric pulley tensioning cable lacing pattern; singular tensioning wire runs between spreader bars in set at bottom (i.e.
  • one wire per spreader set tensioning wires terminating on opposing spreader bar at bottom; tensioning wires fasten to central point at bottom; single lacing cross over between spreader bars in set; multiple lacing crossovers between spreader bars in set; lifting wires run parallel inside Spreader bars between pulleys or exit of spreader bar; electric actuators; force sensors; hydraulic actuators; levers/cam mechanism; and any permutation or combination of same

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un harnais de torse de levage par friction (10) pour soulever des patients avec un palan de levage de patient. Le harnais de torse de levage par friction (10) comprend un mécanisme de tension (12). Une bande de harnais (11) est couplée au mécanisme de tension (12) et le harnais de torse de levage par friction (10) est configuré pour appliquer une force de compression au torse du patient au-dessus des hanches du patient pendant l'élévation d'un patient portant le harnais de torse de levage par friction (10). La force de compression appliquée par le mécanisme de tension est proportionnelle au poids du patient de sorte qu'un patient peut être soulevé uniquement par contact par friction avec la bande de harnais (11) sans utiliser de sangles de jambe ou analogues.
PCT/NZ2023/050121 2022-11-02 2023-11-02 Harnais de torse de levage par friction et dispositif de manipulation de patient WO2024096752A1 (fr)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4656679A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-04-14 James Industries Limited Lifting slings
US20010020144A1 (en) * 1998-06-18 2001-09-06 Bio Cybernetics International Custom fitted orthotic device
US20130116604A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Horacio Alberto MORILLA Controlled-suspension standing device for medical and veterinary use
US20140026893A1 (en) * 2008-01-07 2014-01-30 Lite Run, Llc Suspension and Body Attachment System and Differential Pressure Suit for Body Weight Support Devices
US20140276306A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Retrainer Inc. Physical therapy support device and harness
US20140364786A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 University Braces, LLC Universally adjustable lumbar brace
EP2965726A1 (fr) * 2014-07-11 2016-01-13 Orthoservice AG Corset lombaire amélioré

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4656679A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-04-14 James Industries Limited Lifting slings
US20010020144A1 (en) * 1998-06-18 2001-09-06 Bio Cybernetics International Custom fitted orthotic device
US20140026893A1 (en) * 2008-01-07 2014-01-30 Lite Run, Llc Suspension and Body Attachment System and Differential Pressure Suit for Body Weight Support Devices
US20130116604A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Horacio Alberto MORILLA Controlled-suspension standing device for medical and veterinary use
US20140276306A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Retrainer Inc. Physical therapy support device and harness
US20140364786A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 University Braces, LLC Universally adjustable lumbar brace
EP2965726A1 (fr) * 2014-07-11 2016-01-13 Orthoservice AG Corset lombaire amélioré

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